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Tag: Balaji Telefilms

  • Hindi GEC shows highlight Covid2019 precautionary measures

    Hindi GEC shows highlight Covid2019 precautionary measures

    MUMBAI: Turn on your TV sets and you will see that most shows have resumed shooting. But what’s different now? Unlike before, leading characters in shows are seen wearing masks, face shields, gloves and using sanitisers. As a responsible community, GEC shows are also passing on information to viewers about Covid2019 precautions. 

    While speaking to Indiantelevision.com, TV producers shared because the shows are watched by millions of people, channels had requested them to include safety measures being promoted within shows.

    Shoonya Square Productions founder Ved Raj, who is the maker of the show Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega, highlights that the production house will continue to have episodes where safety protocols will be showcased. However, it will not be so frequent and informative but will reflect in the story. He also points out that the studio will not be shooting from the pandemic point of view, but will try to incorporate the current situation in their stories.

    He said, “From the Covid2019 lens we are showing characters wearing masks and gloves when they are going outside their homes. They are sanitising their hands after entering the house. But the plotline of the story remains the same.”

    However, upcoming episode scripts that were written before the pandemic had to be re-written considering the Covid2019 situation. In this show’s case, the protagonist will not give birth at the hospital but will do so at home. The production house can’t shoot in a different studio with more junior artists.

    Raj also shares, “Earlier our shows included a lot of party scenes and festivals but now I am avoiding that. It is challenging but still, it is better than nothing.”

    A video clip from Star Plus’ popular show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is already going viral on social media where the main characters, Shivangi Joshi and Alka Kaushal, are interacting while wearing masks. In the same Mohsin Khan was seen asking Shivangi Joshi to use the sanitiser before helping her wear gloves and face shield.

    Full House Media Production director Sonali Jaffer, who is the producer of the show Tujhse Hai Raabta, thinks that it is the responsibility of the channel and the production houses to showcase the importance of taking precautions. “We are doing this positive messaging through our shows because it is the reality. Until and unless the government tells us to stop wearing masks, we will continue to show safety protocols in our episodes,” she says.

    Sonali adds that even when the pandemic is over, the studio will incorporate positive things that had happened during this timeframe in their shows such as the people who bravely fought with the disease, donated their plasma to help other Covid2019 patients etc.

    As far as challenges are concerned while shooting the episode, Sonali points out that no producer or a writer likes to do a cheat shot. But now, no extra scenes are filmed, important conversations are happening from the point of view of one character only. Double shots of different locations are avoided.

    Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki writer Sharad Tripathi says that to a certain extent the makers of the show will introduce pandemic scenes and protocol measures in their show. He also adds that they will be using different footages and cuts of actors wearing masks and gloves wherever possible to create awareness.

    “There is a mass following of the show, so I think it is important for us to tell people about what should be done. In the coming days also, what the government will say, we will try to portray it through our scenes and dialogues,” he further added.

    Ekta Kapoor’s show Yeh Hai Chahatein shows the characters discussing how house-helps should go on leaves. Then the entire family was seen contributing to the household chores. In one of the latest episodes, the main lead played by Aishwarya Sakhuja was seen talking about online classes, and how it would help students to continue their studies with the help of technology.

    SAB TV’s show Tera Kya Hoga Alia started the episode with showing Alia, played by Anusha Arora, and Rabiya, played by Namrata Pathak, on an early morning jog. The two were seen talking about the importance of maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask when outdoors.

    In Sony Entertainment Television’s show Mere Dad Ki Dulhan in its new promo showcased the main leads Shweta Tiwari and Varun Badola wearing masks while they were outdoors.

    Since all producers and writers are facing similar challenges, audiences will get to see reality reflected in all the shows.

  • Balaji Telefilms takes positive steps after actor tests Covid2019 positive

    Balaji Telefilms takes positive steps after actor tests Covid2019 positive

    MUMBAI: Television actor Parth Samthaan, who is best known for his role in Balaji Telefilms' Kasautii Zindagii Kay, tested positive for Covid2019 on Sunday. The actor shared the news on Instagram and revealed that he was showing mild symptoms but with doctors' guidance, he is self-quarantining at home.

    https://www.instagram.com/the_parthsamthaan/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Balaji Telefilms COO Ketan Gupta tells indiantelevision.com that the production house is strictly following all the SOP measures and guidelines laid by the government. He mentions that people’s safety and security is the most important thing for Balaji Telefilms.

    He informs that Samthaan tested positive when he was at home and not at the set. He says, “The moment we got to know that Parth Samthaan has tested positive for Covid2019, we immediately packed up the entire unit, as well as sanitised it. We called an ambulance so that everybody in the unit can have their swab tests done. Apart from the crew, we are also doing tests for actors who have recently interacted with Parth. The results are awaited. In the meantime, our production house will be closed for three days for sanitisation, cleaning, fumigation and other measures.”

    He further explains that the studio will be closely monitoring the people who were present on the set to ensure that they are safe. Gupta clarifies that even if a similar situation arises in the future, the company will not replace the main leads. “We will bring changes in the storyline until he is back. We have around eight to nine episodes in the bank,” he adds.

    Meanwhile, Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms have released an official  statement. It reads: “We would like to inform various stakeholders that one of our talent from the show ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’ has tested positive for Covid2019 and is now receiving medical attention. Our first priority is to help protect our talent, production crew and employees. We are taking all the precautions detailed in the guideline. We were and will continue following all medical protocols set by the authorities and have implemented guidelines concerning social interactions, hygiene, travel and visits to the sets.”

    Television actor Karan Patel who will be essaying the role of new Mr Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay reboot and his immediate family members will also get tested for Covid2019.

  • Industry pays homage to Kulmeet Makkar

    Industry pays homage to Kulmeet Makkar

    MUMBAI: The television and film fraternity woke up this morning to the shocking news of the sudden demise of Kulmeet Makkar, CEO of the Film & Television Producers Guild.  

    He died following a heart attack. He was in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, where he had been since the lockdown due to the Covid2019 pandemic. Makkar had been active in the entertainment industry for more than three decades, having worked with companies like Saregama, Reliance Entertainment, Shreya Entertainment, etc.  

    A pall of gloom has descended on the fraternity and everyone is in shock.

    “I am extremely devastated by this news,” said SOL India-Banijay Group founder and MD Fazila Allana.

    She said: “I was on a conference call with him recently and we were supposed to have another call tomorrow. I was constantly in touch with him on WhatsApp. He looked absolutely fine; this news came as a shock to me. Kulmeet was a very sensitive person; he held everything together for the guild. He was always there to help you. It is a huge loss for the television industry. Especially in these trying times he was really spearheading the guild’s effort towards how the industry would function post the lockdown. We will miss him very terribly.”

    Balaji Telefilms COO Ketan Gupta:  “We woke up, again, to very terrible news. After the tragic news of Irrfan and Rishiji, this was shocking! My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the departed soul. He has been an integral part of our film and TV Guild of India and his loss is irreparable and irreplaceable. May the almighty give strength to the family at this most difficult time. RIP.”

    Applause Entertainment Limited CEO  Sameer Nair: “I am just too sad to listen to this news.  Kulmeet was really the heart and soul of the Guild…the nicest, kindest, friendliest soul in our industry.”

    Binaifer Kohli remembered Kulmeet as a very dear friend. “He and my husband worked together for a company called Usha. He was a wonderful person, always very helpful and nice and a big asset to the guild also. My condolences to his family. It is a great loss for the industry.”

    Anil Wanvari: “He was driven to take the Guild to new heights. It was what drove him. That it should live up to what its purpose was: to service its members – film and TV producers. He brought a lot of order and professionalism to it. He will surely be missed.”

    Filmmaker Karan Johar tweeted: “Kulmeet you were such an incredible pillar to all of us at the Producers Guild of India….relentlessly working for the industry and towards its enhancement and advancement… you left us too soon…We will miss you and always Remember you fondly…. Rest in peace my friend…”

    Filmmaker Rohan Sippy: “More terribly sad news… the film industry has lost another irreplaceable stalwart… RIP Kulmeet.”

    Hats Off Production founder JD Majethia remembered Kulmeet as a passionate man with a Vision. “In spite of him not being an active producer he knew the issues and necessities of the business far more than  most producers I know of. I have interacted and worked with him for over a decade and can say he was almost indispensable. He was involved in so many activities of the industry till his last breath. I still can't believe it and I'm in a huge shock. You will be missed  forever Kulmeet.”

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  • Have 10-12 banked shows to sustain even if lockdown continues: ALTBalaji’s Nachiket Pantvaidya

    Have 10-12 banked shows to sustain even if lockdown continues: ALTBalaji’s Nachiket Pantvaidya

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms’ digital arm ALTBalaji recently completed three years. While the management always spoke of profitability and breaking even faster rather than cash-burn and tons of investment, the platform seems on track in achieving its ambitions despite the COVID-19 climate. Though production may be halted, content-hungry subscribers have flocked to the streaming service for their dose of entertainment. Despite the setback, the OTT platform is confident that it has enough shows in the bank to woo subscribers for the next few months even if lockdown persists.

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    In an interview with Indiantelevision.com, Balaji Telefilms group COO and ALTBalaji CEO Nachiket Pantvaidya spoke about the growth during post COVID-19 period and overall outlook FY21.

    Edited excerpts:

    ALTBalaji had a good run in the first three years focusing on the Hindi-speaking market. Will there be any significant change in the content strategy going forward?

    We are currently focusing on ensuring that we dominate the Hindi speaking markets and then move ahead. If you look at the geography and demography of the country, 70 per cent of the content consumed is Hindi. As a platform, it makes sense to focus your efforts in one direction and win over the Hindi-speaking population. Hence, this year we are first going to focus on ensuring that we dominate the Hindi space. 

    We will gradually move towards other regional markets as well in the coming years. A host of our Hindi offerings have also been dubbed in Indian and international languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bahasa, Arabic, etc. amongst others. We shall continue to focus on expanding our language content library in the coming years.

    ALTBalaji had the mantra of breaking even within 2021 which you are nearing as per the last investors call. What will be the big target now?

    ALTBalaji has been working towards its goals and is the first OTT platform already on the road to profitability. With our costs getting controlled in the first half of fiscal 2020 and the loss margin further reducing at the end of the current fiscal, we are aiming to break even in 2020-2021.

    Given the national lockdown, all content production has come to a standstill; we continue to monitor the situation closely. We are very confident that the demand for content will increase once the situation returns to normal and are well prepared to resume business and ramp up content sales once the lockdown is over.

    Do you expect a significantly higher-than-expected jump in FY 21 under the current situation?

    We are looking at a 1.7 million active subscription base which is a high record for us. We are adding roughly 17,000–20,000 subscribers per day, that’s nearly doubling the run rate from where we were in February. In Q3, we had already said that our losses were down to single digits, and we are hopeful that in the next 12 months period, we will break even ALTBalaji's business.

    Could you share the current growth under COVID-19? Which genres see more uptake? Did any particular demography or age group consume more content on the platform?

    Indian originals have picked up pace in the past few days as audiences are on the lookout for local relatable content. We believe in creating shows which appeal across segments however, with narratives that are unique or untold.  

    For instance, shows like Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain, Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, It Happened in Calcutta, Baarish, Dil Hi To Hai etc., are mostly consumed by women in 25-45 years TG across India. However, thrillers like Apharan, Ragini MMS, Code M are consumed by men in the 22-45 age bracket. In addition to the above, shows such as Mentalhood, The Test Case, MOM: Mission Over Mars, Bose: Dead/ Alive, The Verdict – State vs Nanavati are being consumed extensively by urban Indians across age groups.

    Shows launched in earlier months continue to see good engagement as consumers are now watching more of the library that we have successfully built. The ALTBalaji library as of date has 60-plus shows with engaging content for mass Indian audiences.

    What has been the growth of new subscribers? How will you retain them once the lockdown is lifted?

    Watch times and subscriptions have been seeing strong growth during this period and we are witnessing a high level of growth in all our key markets and demographics. ALTBalaji is witnessing strong uptake of digital subscriptions with an average of 17,000 subscriptions added per day post lockdown vs an average of 10,600 in March 2020 pre-lockdown, a growth of 60 per cent. As of date, the platform has over 1.7 million active direct subscribers.

    With the SVOD OTT space in the country becoming increasingly price-sensitive, we have facilitated growth by keeping our pricing extremely low, at less than a rupee a day (Rs 300/- annually). What works best for us is to concentrate on consumer segmentation behaviour, understanding how to retain the customers better and working on onboarding the new segment who have just been acquainted with the internet. With content being king, there is a growing acceptance amongst consumers to pay for unique narratives and good storytelling which keeps them hooked to their screens. Having said that, we are confident that having sampled our portfolio of exciting, original digital series to a wider audience that has a higher propensity and capacity to subscribe, we will continue as one of the top OTT platforms. 

    Due to the stoppage in production, do you expect any rescheduling of your content slate? Has there been any change in the guidance of expected originals during the calendar year?

    So far, we are on track in terms of the show launches. We have 11-12 shows that have been shot already and only need post-production and editing, which can happen from home as well. So we actually have a stock of 10-12 shows which can be put out in the next six to seven months even if the unfortunate lockdown continues for a few more months. We are in a good position to give out one to two shows per month for the next five to six months. We are now launching, in the next 25 days, Baarish season two and KKHH season three.

    How has the overall ecosystem changed since you started the journey?

    Having set milestones and breaking new grounds for over three years, our journey has been fairly business-positive and will continue to do so. Since its inception, ALTBalaji has been on top of the consumer mind for its unique narratives and clutter-breaking original Hindi content and we have aggressively grown on the back of innovative business strategies. Moving from strength to strength, we’ve today become a major player in the Indian OTT industry and gained further encouragement by the massive increase in subscriber base. With a substantial bouquet of original content across genres that keeps viewers engaged, our app has consistently ranked amongst the top three grossing video streaming apps in the country across the app store (Source: App Annie).

    According to a recent report by PwC, the OTT market is set to grow at a rate of 22 per cent to reach Rs 12,000 crore in the next four years. The soon-to-arrive 5G networks will only work as a shot in the arm for OTT platforms to scale further heights. Digital is an ever-evolving medium and when it comes to OTT players, competition across the industry is soaring high with everyone trying to secure their places in the minds of consumers.

    Last year you struck a deal with ZEE5. How has it helped you? Are you planning any similar deal?

    With our collaboration with ZEE5, we aim towards leveraging each other’s strengths in the OTT domain, to co-create original content. This association is a collaborative process of co-understanding consumer insights and co-marketing to serve the viewer better while reaping in increased dividends for both. ALTBalaji and ZEE5 have established their content strength globally, and the synergy resulted in two of the largest home-grown video streaming platforms coming together to expand their subscription base and grow the binge-watching culture globally.

    ALTBalaji has also successfully completed the first-ever syndication of a digital series to a broadcaster with three hit digital shows now airing on prime time television. Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, Baarish, and Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain are now available between 9 pm and 11 pm on Zee TV. This deal helped generate additional revenues via syndication fees and created a larger consumer funnel for us.

  • ALTBalaji completes three years with over 60 original shows across genres

    ALTBalaji completes three years with over 60 original shows across genres

    MUMBAI: ALTBalaji, one of the country’s leading homegrown OTT platforms, has completed three years, continuing to break new ground and setting milestones on its way to further success.

    On the back of an extensive, diverse content library that spans multiple genres, the platform has established a niche for itself in the originals space and played a vital role in inculcating an individual binge-watching habit amongst Indian audiences. Owing to its resounding mass appeal, ALTBalaji has emerged as the fastest-growing homegrown platform with more than 60 originals to its name and aims to  curate more in the coming days. 

    Since its inception, ALTBalaji has been able to stay well ahead of the curve and grab the audience’s attention through its unique narratives, innovative business strategies, and clutter-breaking original Hindi content. Growing from strength to strength, ALTBalaji has today become a major player in the Indian OTT industry and gains further encouragement by the massive spike in subscribers. With a plethora of original content that keeps viewers thoroughly entertained, ALTBalaji has consistently ranked number three in the list of top grossing video streaming apps in the country across the app store (Source: App Annie).

    Adopting a completely different strategy to its competitors in terms of content creation, partnerships or marketing, ALTBalaji is well on its way to profitability. Witnessing its costs getting controlled in the first half of fiscal 2020 and the loss margin further reducing at the end of the current fiscal, the platform aims to break even in 2020-21. With content being ALTBalaji’s biggest differentiator, the platform has reached out to all kinds of audiences across the length and breadth of the country through a healthy mix of thriller, drama, romance, teenage drama, horror, and comedy, among others.

    Giving importance in growing its regional subscriber base, the leading OTT player has a host of its Hindi offerings dubbed in Indian as well as foreign languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bahasa, and Arabic, amongst others. In their endeavor to engage the audience and offer them an immersive viewing experience, ALTBalaji is also working towards strengthening its UI/UX by focusing on aspects like language interface, voice search, targeted retention strategies, tailored recommendations, quick onboarding, and convenient payment gateways.  

    “ALTBalaji, since its inception, has served as a flag-bearer for clutter-breaking original content and shall continue to do so. Being from the house of Balaji Telefilms, which have been catering to the audiences' ever-changing preferences for over 25 years now, ALTBalaji has an advantage like no other with a deeper understanding and familiarity with the viewer’s consumption preferences. By constantly working on an effective content strategy to cater to individuals, we aim to ramp up our original offerings at an exciting pace. Our core focus right now is to capture the Hindi-speaking market through our innovative content offerings along with expanding our regional language content library in the coming years. As we set sights towards breaking even in this new year, we shall continue to keep our viewers as the focal point, build our strategies around them and cement our position as a market leader in the industry,” ALTBalaji CEO and Balaji Telefilms group COO Nachiket Pantvaidya said. 

    ALTBalaji has been a pioneer in starting the trend of original soundtracks in the web-series space. In addition, ALTBalaji also launched some interesting and innovative initiatives; naming a few would be the ‘Breast Buffer’ campaign which was initiated to create awareness against breast cancer. 

    ALT has also renovated a public school during the launch of the school drama 'Class of 2020, providing better infrastructure for the students. Recently, ALTBalaji associated with Impact Guru for a fundraising effort ‘One Meal at a Time’ for the distribution of food to the underprivileged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further enhancing the user experience, the OTT platform brought its most-acclaimed series Apharan to Alexa, enabling its users to listen to dialogues, the trailer and other exclusive content from this successful show. Fans of the show can enjoy and soak in the immersive and gripping experience provided by the suspense thriller, with just a simple voice command to their favorite Echo device.

    Spanning a host of diverse genres, the year saw plenty of ALTBalaji shows garner rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. Mentalhood, the recently-launched drama on parenthood, went on to earn a resounding 8.9 rating on IMDb. On the other hand, Mission Over Mars (M-O-M), the inspirational tale of four women, raked in a rating of 8.6. ALTBalaji continued to keep the thriller-suspense and courtroom drama genre as exciting as Code M and The Verdict – State Vs. Nanavati received a rating of 8.3 and 8.6 respectively.

    In this lockdown period, ALTBalaji has come to everyone’s rescue by entertaining audiences via their diverse bouquet of originals. Its soaring popularity has resulted in the ALTBalaji app, being one of the top three grossing apps in the OTT category, according to App Annie. With recent launches like 'Mentalhood', which featured a talented pool of actors like Karisma Kapoor, Dino Morea, Sandhya Mridul, Sanjay Suri, Shruti Seth, Shilpa Shukla, and Tillotama Shome, 'Who’s Your Daddy?' and 'XXX Uncensored Season 2', the platform has kept the entertainment quotient high. ALTBalaji will continue to do so with planning to launch almost 25-30 shows this year including 'Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai 3', 'Baarish 2', 'Bebaakee', 'Mumbhai', 'Apharan 2' and many more.

  • ALTBalaji raises fund for distribution of food for needy

    ALTBalaji raises fund for distribution of food for needy

    MUMBAI:  ALTBalaji, one of the country’s leading homegrown OTT platforms, has initiated fundraising for the distribution of food for the needy and the underprivileged as the country is reeling under the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund will be used to extend a helping hand to the daily wage earners, labourers and the underprivileged who are struggling to make ends meet.  

    ALTBalaji has associated with Impact Guru to support Annamrita Foundation, who are putting their best foot forward towards ensuring that the underprivileged do not go hungry. With the help of the fundraising, ALTBalaji aims to reach out to maximum people to ensure they get their share of meals and are able to survive the lockdown period with dignity. ALTBalaji will be donating Re 1 for every subscription that they get on their app till 30 April and urges the viewers and people across the country to donate to the cause as well.

    The donation page can be accessed here https://altbalaji.impactguru.com/.

    With crowdfunding being the quickest way to collaborate and mobilize support during times of a crisis, ALTBalaji and Annamitra foundation will utilize the funds in buying grocery items such as lentils, rice, vegetables, cooking oil, flour etc., for meals to be distributed. ALTBalaji will be urging its users and followers via in-app notifications, social media posts and other efforts as this is the time for one to give back to the society and make a difference.

    “It is the need of the hour for all of us to show support to each other and society. Through this effort, the aim is to reach out to the masses and appeal to them by leveraging the combined strength of platforms: ALTBalaji, ImpactGuru and Annamitra. These funds will be utilized to feed the underprivileged across cities and we hope our subscribers and followers will also lend their extensive support as we all stand as one in such tough times,”  ALTBalaji CEO and Balaji Telefilms group COO Nachiket Pantvaidya said.

  • Balaji Telefilms’ Ekta Kapoor foregoes one-year salary for workers

    Balaji Telefilms’ Ekta Kapoor foregoes one-year salary for workers

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms joint managing director and creative head Ekta Kapoor will give up her one-year salary, Rs 2.5 crore, to ensure that her workers will not suffer due to the ongoing lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In a social media post she announced that she is doing this so that her "co-workers don't have to take a hit during this period of crisis and complete lockdown".  

    She wrote in the note: "The impact of CORONA crisis is huge, unprecedented and multi-pronged. We all need to do things that will ease the hardship of people around us and of our country at large. It is my first and foremost responsibility to take care of the various freelancers and daily wage workers who work at Balaji and who are going to suffer immense loss due to no shootings in the current scenario and uncertainty over the indefinite period to follow. I would thus forsake my one year’s salary that is Rs 2.5 crore at Balaji Telefilms so that my co-workers don't have to take a hit during this period of crisis and complete lockdown. The only way ahead, is together. Stay safe, stay healthy.”

    It may be recalled that earlier the producer donated to various relief funds in order to fight the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Nivedita Basu’s journey from Balaji Telefilms to her own production house

    Nivedita Basu’s journey from Balaji Telefilms to her own production house

    MUMBAI: The Day 2 of The Content Hub 2020 had an interesting session on producing for television by Nivedita Basu.  The audiences witnessed the independent producer and creative director speak on her journey in Balaji Telefilms to becoming an independent producer and creative director. 

    Basu joined Balaji Telefilms in 2000 as a deputy creative director and worked on many TV serials with Ekta Kapoor and worn many hats under her mentorship. Basu quit Balaji Telefilms in 2009 and she started her own production house 'House of Originals'. 

    Basu says, "After 15 years, it's natural to go independent. I was very excited about making Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai and we wanted to make a show that stands out."

    She further adds, "There are lots of obstacles in becoming an independent producer and creator. I always wear a creative hat more than the producer's. Even though I didn't make profit out of my first show but I am still proud of it. Luckily, after Meri Awaaz… I got the second show and that did commercially well and gave me the confidence as a producer."

    Basu also shared her experience of working with Balaji Telefilms. She says, “The advantage of Balaji Telefilms is that we have Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor there. In Balaji I was handling nine shows at a time and it was not that difficult as I had Ekta as guru.”

    Basu believes today's writers are struggling between writing and producing. She says, “Right now, television is not the only thing for writers or creative people. Thanks to digital and OTT, people are making what they want to make. Going ahead, I will be producing content for OTT platform.”

  • ALTBalaji management confident of breakeven by April-June 2020

    ALTBalaji management confident of breakeven by April-June 2020

    MUMBAI: Ekta Kapoor’s over-the-top platform has managed to solve the OTT revenue question. The ALTBalaji management always spoke of profitability and breaking even rather than cash-burn and tons of investment and it seems that aspiration will soon be achieved.

    The management at Balaji Telefilms remains relentlessly upbeat about lowering the recorded loss in the balance sheet gradually. In the third quarter, it stood at about Rs 16 crore. As shared with investors in an earnings call, the management is optimistic to bring it down to single digit in the fourth quarter. “April-June onwards we will practically breakeven the ALT business,” the company says. It also mentions that the breakeven is at the P&L level.

    Before September 2019, ALTBalaji shows were available for free on telco services. The indirect customers were yielding very low average revenue per user (ARPU) bordering between Rs10 to 15. The platform last year entered in a deal with ZEE5 also. All 42 shows which were produced before September are exclusive to ALTBalaji and the 13 co-produced shows on both platforms. Due to the changes, now all ALTBalaji content is behind a paywall, be it on its own service or on ZEE5.  

    “This has enabled us to one raise our ARPU. Secondly we have direct subscriptions going up, as a result year-on-year. We are doubling our subscription revenue overall and also through direct subscribers, so that is the benefit of going behind paywall. We feel that as our library increases we need to ensure that people form the habit of paying for our content and our content is not offered free. We had to do telco deals and give it off free in the first, probably 30 months of our existence because our library was small, but now we have taken a call, now with the library is growing that we are going to go only behind paywall,” the management reaffirms.

    The revenue has gone up this quarter too which stood at Rs 23.1 crore in Q3. The management thinks numbers are looking more and more cheerful in terms of the topline. It attributes it to two factors – one, the exclusive 42 shows and the ZEE deal. Because of the deal, it has been able to manage P&L and revenues.

    “It is a 60-40 content share, 60 per cent of our content cost is picked up by ZEE and I think on an annual basis that will amount to at least about Rs 80 crore to 90 crore and the rest of the money that we spend on the apps has to be made by us directly through our exclusive live and show that exploit and as a result of that we hope to breakeven between 36 to 48 months from our launch,” the management states.

    The management is very confident that its direct subscription revenues are doubling every year. At the closing of this financial year, it estimates the figure to stand well above Rs 31 crore to 32 crore . It is also expecting to double direct subscription revenues next year as well. Moreover, the two-year  ZEE partnership will also span most of the next financial year leaking into the year after.

    “We want to be the only OTT platform in the country that has broken even that too with a considerable base of originally-produced shows. We are now the number one store house of originally produced Hindi content in country and we will also demonstrate that we are able to market our shows exclusively better than everybody else because our efficiencies are better. We are achieving this at a much lower marketing spend than the competition,” the management says.

    “That is reflected in the fact that we are consistently in the top four gross billing OTT apps on the Android and the iOS web store pick any month in the last 12 months we will always be in the top four, though our rate to the consumer is probably one of the lowest it is Rs 100 for three months and Rs 300 for a year."

    "What we are therefore setting to establish is that there is a mass market, which we are successfully able to target and operate a profitable OTT business with the topline of about Rs 150 crore to Rs 200 crore in the coming two financials,” it adds.

  • Shahabuddin Shaikh joins ALTBalaji as CTO

    Shahabuddin Shaikh joins ALTBalaji as CTO

    MUMBAI: ALTBalaji has appointed Shahabuddin Shaikh as the chief technology officer (CTO). In his new role, he will be responsible for designing a strong tech-driven ecosystem that seamlessly aligns with the brand’s tech vision and leading their overall technology transformation goals.  Shaikh will directly report to ALTBalaji CEO and Balaji Telefilms Group COO Nachiket Pantvaidya.

    With an experience of 20 years in the technology infrastructure, Shaikh’s expertise lies in envisioning solutions that propel product development. His in-depth knowledge of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, internet of things, and big data, among others, will help in expanding company growth. Prior to this, he has worked with brands like Vuclip Pvt Ltd , Mauj Mobile, Orios Ltd, Informatic Systems, among others.

    Shaikh launched the VIU app to support 21 million active user base and generate 2.3 billion video minutes a month with an increase in revenue by 2.5 million. During his stint with Mauj Mobile, he was responsible for expanding and stabilising growing MVAS content management platforms.

    Pantvaidya said: “We at ALTBalaji have been working towards building a strong application that’s supported by a talented team and flourishing technology. Shahabuddin has an impeccable record of building and aligning technology organisations with business objectives to achieve results. We welcome him to our organisation.”

    Shaikh said: “I am elated to be undertaking a new responsibility with a leading OTT brand like ALTBalaji. I look forward to working towards building a more seamless and engaging experience for the customers while meeting brand’s tech needs.”